MUSIC NEWS: The First Great Album of 2011 - Dave Hause's Resolutions

Dave Hause is a name you might recognize, but not exactly know why. Hause has been part of the Philly/NJ punk & hardcore scene since the early 90's first with Step Ahead, then with The Curse, then Paint It Black. Or you might know him as that guy who used to roadie for the Bouncing Souls. But most likely you've found yourself singing along to one of his songs as front man for The Loved Ones.

In 2009, Hause put The Loved Ones on hiatus and like many of his punk-gone-acoustic contemporaries hit the road with a fistful of stripped down songs and a Martin steel string. His new solo album Resolutions bares the fruits of that endeavor. And it's in this state that Hause, maybe for the first time, finds his own truly distinct voice.

While The Loved One always turned in strong albums, their influences were worn on their sleeve.  In many ways, Resolutions presents Hause in his most comfortable, confident, and natural form. "Selfish Masquerade" and "Louisiana," two standout songs from The Loved Ones 2008 album Build & Burn, provided a first glimpse of what a Dave Hause solo record might hold in store. Hause follows in that vein for Resolutions and delivers ten fantastic songs dealing with the harsh realities of adulthood and dreams fallen short of, while simultaneously garnering offerings of faith & confidence to keep moving forward by.

Many of the songs on Resolutions will be familiar to those who caught Hause's appearances on the Revival Tour featuring Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry or while opening for Brian Fallon's solo performances. The previously sparse tour favorite "Melanin" has been given a rousing revision and follows opener "Time Will Tell," as much a one-two punch if there ever was one. "Come On Kid" has seen a transformation of sorts as well. Once a somber tinged plea to a friend from a not entirely-confident-himself Hause, "Come On Kid" is now a full on anthem of redemption on the horizon. "Pray For Tuscon" slows things down a bit accompanied only by a mournful pedal steel and brush of organ to great effect. The title track does not mince words or intentions for this record with Hause singing "... I want to shed my skin... we can't go on this way..." The first five songs on Resolutions will quickly rise to the top of the "most played" list in your iTunes library.

If there is one slight misstep on Resolutions, it's "Prague (Revive Me)." "Prague" is in no way a bad song but a jarring transition to the second half of the album. Upon first listen it seems out of left field but repeat listening reveals it to be a deserved part of the album. In the tender "Heavy Heart," Hause revisits the roll of cornerman, providing a boost of confidence and reassurance to a timid friend. "Years From Now" speaks to the next generation of music kids coming up, asking them to carry the torch for the community while at the same time improving it. "Rankers & Rotters" is one last raucous song of identification and inclusion -  this is who we are and this is for us. The album closes with "Meet Me At The Lanes," a heartfelt nod to the friends whom Hause has undoubtly learned from and been helped by, along the way.

Instantly accessible melodies combine with resonating lyrics to give you an album that will soon be counted as a favorite in your record collection. Dave Hause's Resolutions is a collection of superbly crafted songs by a songwriter in top form. The first listen will hit your ears, the second will hit your heart. Buy this album now, you'll be happy you did.

Resolutions is available direct through Paper & Plastick on limited edition vinyl in three variations, CD, and digital download as well as on iTunes.

Preview three tracks from the album below:

Resolutions - Dave Hause

C'mon Kid - Dave Hause

Years From Now - Dave Hause

As well as two excellent cover demos that didn't make the record:

When It Don't Come Easy (Patti Griffin) - Dave Hause demo

The Cheapest Key (Kathleen Edwards) - Dave Hause demo

PHOTO CREDIT: Jessie DeFlorio